Interactive Arts and Science

Program Overview

As a unique interdisciplinary area of study, the Interactive Arts and Science (IASC) program prepares the next generation of digital media innovators and scholars. You’ll focus on the intersection of interactive technologies and the humanities — gaining new digital media creation skills along the way. Benefits of the program include:

careers in interactive media design

a focus on the future of technology

individualized programs of study

academic and hands-on experience

Program Foci

The Interactive Arts and Science program is designed for future-oriented students who think ‘outside the box' about a wide range of questions, such as:

The humanities in a digital world...

What will technology look like in the future?How will all the information on the Internet be archived and preserved?How has writing been transformed in the digital age?How will we interact with maps in the future?What will libraries look like in 20 years time?How can massive data sets be visualized in creative ways?How have emerging technologies changed the human experience?How does digital scholarship intersect with my area(s) of academic interest?

Interactive media skills...

How can I develop new skill proficiencies with digital tools?How can I build a portfolio of work that showcases my skills to potential employers?How can I employ interactive media tools in my academic research?How can I use digital production tools to achieve my creative goals?How can I develop new digital tools to support the work of others?

Collaborating with others...

How can I collaborate with others on joint multimedia and academic projects?What are the most effective practices for managing team-based projects?How can I build and contribute to a online community of scholarship?

Career Opportunities

Multimedia/Web designer

Interactive fiction writer

Software developer

New media scholar

Digital tools specialist

3D modeler

Graphic artist

Entrepreneur

Graduate studies

Program Pathways

Students can complete the Interactive Arts and Science program as:

a four year BA Honours degree

a three year BA Pass degree

a Combined Major

a Minor

New students who wish to focus directly on interactive technologies are encouraged to pursue the Interactive Arts and Science BA Honours or BA Pass programs. Current students who are majoring in other disciplines at Brock are encouraged to consider the Combined Major and Minor pathways.

Concentrations

Interactive Arts and Science students can choose to focus their studies in one of four areas of concentration:

Future Students: Apply for the Interactive Arts and Science program through the Registrar’s Office.Current Students: Consult with the IASC academic advisor about the Combined Major and Minor options.

Coursework

The Interactive Arts and Science program features a wide selection of courses that focus on interactive media, its concepts and theories, and underlying production methods. Several courses are cross-listed with other academic programs at Brock. There are also internship options and directed project courses that allow students to gain credit for learning experiences outside the formal classroom. The Interactive Arts and Science program is highly individualized. Most courses are taught in small groups and there is lots of flexibility to pursue a personalized program of study. There are also opportunities to collaborate with others, including faculty members and industry experts, on scholarly and interactive media projects.

To see the full list of Interactive Arts and Science courses, browse the IASC entry in the Undergraduate Calendar.